NLC, TUC mobilise workers, CSOs for protest, strike over minimum wage, electricity tariff hike
By Jeffrey Agbo
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have put workers and civil society allies on notice over the planned protests and industrial action should the Federal Government fail to reverse the hike in electricity tariff and conclude the minimum wage by May 31.
The labour unions made this resolution at the joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday evening.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC leader, Festus Osifo, the labour leaders also discussed the persisting non-compliance with the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act by some state governments.
They also directed their members in Anambra State to mobilise for an industrial action in the event that the state government did not meet the demands of workers by May 23, 2024.
The communiqué read: “The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) convened today in an emergency meeting in response to the pressing national issues affecting Nigerian workers, namely, the recent hike in electricity tariff, the ongoing negotiation of a new national minimum wage with the federal government and the Persisting non-compliance with the 2019 National Minimum wage Act by some state Governments in Nigeria.
“NEC-in-session observed as follows: Whereas the NLC and TUC had embarked on a one-day nationwide Picketing of all NERC offices and DISCOs in protest of the illegal hike in electricity tariff while demanding a reversal from NERC and the federal government without the desired result;
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“Whereas the federal government’s refusal to comply with the dictates of the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act in constituting the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee later than six months to the expiration of the existing one; the deliberate delays in good faith negotiations which has compelled the NLC and TUC to give the federal government until the last day of May, 2024 to complete everything about the New National Minimum Wage fixing process;
“Whereas the federal government has not shown any serious sign of ensuring that the New National Minimum Wage process is concluded accordingly; Whereas some state governments are still refusing to pay the N30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira) National Minimum Wage as stipulated in the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act; After thorough deliberations and considerations of these current realities as it affects Nigerian workers and masses, the NEC-in-session of both centres resolved as follows:
“Electricity Tariff Hike: The NEC once again vehemently condemns the unilateral increase in electricity tariff by the authorities. This action, taken without due consideration for the economic hardships faced by the masses and the provisions of the Law, is deemed unjust and burdensome. The NEC reaffirms its demands for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and the vexatious apartheid categorization into Bands to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens and gives the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the federal government until the last day of May 2024 to meet these demands.
“NEC therefore calls on all affiliate unions, and workers including Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria to remain united and steadfast in solidarity during this critical period. Together, we shall prevail in our pursuit of a fair and just society that guarantees the dignity and well-being of all its citizens.
“The NECs – in – session finally affirms its unwavering commitment to championing the cause of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their rights and interests are upheld at all times.”